BORDENTOWN CITY — The Bordentown Halloween Parade has become a tradition in town over the past 43 years.
Members of the Consolidated Fire Association have been coordinating the parade since its creation in 1970 following the completion of their station on Crosswicks Street.
Families put their lawn chairs outside the morning of the parade to save a prime spot on the sidewalk. Children dress up in their costumes for a trial run before Halloween and catch candy being thrown from the floats. Local bands play music as they march through the center of town and the town buzzes with excitement and anticipation for Halloween.
This year’s parade will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.
Organizations can register to march in the parade at www.bordentownhalloween.com. No political floats or marching units can join the parade.
Masquerades will be judged in front of St. Mary’s School at 12:45 p.m. the day of the parade; categories include "Children," "Adult," "Family" and "Group." Cash prizes are awarded in these categories.
The annual house decorating contest will take place this October as well. Houses in Bordentown City, Bordentown Township and Fieldsboro will be judged. First and second prizes will be awarded. Due to the popularity of the decorating contest, participants must register at www.bordentownhalloween.com. Feel free to register a friend or neighbor’s house to be judged as well.
The "Scarecrow Contest" is a new tradition that started last year. The town will decorate the light posts downtown with the scarecrow creations and encourage businesses, school groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and nonprofit groups in the Bordentown area to register scarecrows online and bring them to the Consolidated Fire Association on Oct. 11. A first place trophy will be awarded.
The city is in need of donations this year to help with the cost of the parade. Businesses and individuals who wish to donate can send their checks to Consolidated Fire Association, PO Box 47, Bordentown, NJ 08505.
For further information about the Halloween events in Bordentown, contact Katy McGowan at 609-298-9328 or at [email protected].

